# XLV explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Kmita, having blown up the Swedish siege-gun, is captured and brought before Miller. He reveals his true identity as Andrei Kmita, a renowned Polish colonel. Kuklinovski, seeking personal vengeance, persuades Miller to hand Kmita over to him, leading to Kmita's imminent execution.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Destruction

The chapter depicts the destruction of the Swedish siege-gun by Kmita and the ongoing violence of the siege.

### Honor and Betrayal

Kmita's refusal to shake hands with Zbrojek highlights his disdain for those serving against their country; Kuklinovski's betrayal and personal vendetta underscore themes of honor and treachery.

### Redemption and Transformation

Kmita reveals his true identity, seeking to redeem his past by his heroic deed and facing death with pride.

## Character check-ins

### Andrei Kmita

Captured after blowing up the Swedish siege-gun; reveals his true identity and faces execution at the hands of Kuklinovski.

### Pan Kuklinovski

Seeks revenge on Kmita for past insults; persuades Miller to hand Kmita over to him for torture and execution.

### Arwid Wittemberg

Presides over Kmita's interrogation; initially orders Kmita to be shot but later grants him to Kuklinovski.

### Pan Zbrojek

Polish officer present at Kmita's interrogation; offers his hand to Kmita but is rebuffed.

### Count Veyhard Vjeshchovich

Swedish officer present at the interrogation; comments on the difficulty of taking the fortress.

### Pan Sadovski

Swedish officer present at the interrogation; questions the feasibility of capturing Yasna Gora.

### Pan Kyemlich

Appears in the opening scene with his sons, disputing about rings; later guides Kmita toward the Silesian boundary.

## Key lines

> I did.

Kmita admits to blowing up the siege-gun.

_Kmita's confession to Miller during interrogation._

> My name is not Babinich, my name is Andrei Kmita; I was colonel of my own personal squadron in the Lithuanian contingent.

Kmita reveals his true identity as a Polish colonel.

_Kmita discloses his real name to the Swedish officers._

> I will not give a hand to traitors who serve against their country!

Kmita refuses to shake hands with Zbrojek, condemning him as a traitor.

_Kmita's rebuke of Zbrojek for serving the Swedes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xlv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters